9 Best Napkin Folding Ideas

The art of napkin folding might see out of reach, but it’s actually a really easy way to transform your table. The next time you’re planning a dinner party, elevate it with one of these pretty ideas from our friend Jenny W. Chan, the crafty brains (and lovely hands!) behind the channel Origami Tree.

Flower Napkin

Think outside the vase with this special twist. Take a cloth napkin in the colour of your choice, and fold it into a square. Then, flip it over and fold in the corners. Finally, pull out the bottom edges and you’ve got yourself a lovely flower.

Rose Napkin

Give your table just a touch of romance with a lovely rose that’s sure to wow. For this, take a red washable serviette and fashion it into a long, thin roll. Next, hold the left corner down to make a right angle. Then, start twisting the cloth into a rose. Finally, flip it over and tuck the loose ends into place.

Watermelon Napkin

Fun, functional and fast to make, your picnic isn’t complete without it. Red and green disposable napkins are the way to go. Once you layer the colours on top of each other, fold the two serviettes into a triangle shape. Don’t forget to draw on little seeds with a black marker.

Crown Napkin

The crown design is a classic that should be done at least once during the holidays. A classic red napkin with a pretty design will work wonders. Once you’re done folding the serviette, curl the left and right sides so they meet in the middle and tuck one into the other. Then, you’ll fold down the sides to reveal the most regal crown.

Atrium Lily Napkin

Take your party to the next level with this deceptively easy serviette. You’ll definitely want to use square cloth napkins so the shape holds better. To construct the atrium, create three layers by folding the points you’ve made into one another. It’s so much easier than it looks!

Double Star Napkin

Get twice the glam with a bright “double star” at every setting. To create this look, you’ll need a standard 6.5 x 6.5-inch napkin or bigger, in the colour of your choice. After a couple of quick folds, firmly pull down the sections between the folds until they each form a v-shape. You’ll repeat this step on the other side. Once you achieve your desired shape, allow the napkin to unfold into this beauty.

Bird of Paradise Napkin

Add a few of these to your table to make it more colourful —and fun. All you need are medium-sized napkins in yellow to get started. After a few folds, you’ll find your diamond shape, which will allow you to create flaps a.k.a playful feathers.

Sailboat Napkin

To recreate a nautical design like this, you can use striped paper napkins. Start by folding two corners into the centre. Then, fold that shape in half, making sure your corners stay nice and sharp. After a few more moves, your sailboat will come to life.

Fish Napkin

After just a minute or two of folding, you’ll have the most adorable little fish. Add a touch of fun by using polka dot paper napkins.